The Topetes power Yuma Catholic’s state title quest

The Shamrock's leadoff man Erik Topete is leading Yuma Catholic's run through the state playoffs.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma Catholic Shamrocks are on a mission, chasing what would be just the second state championship in school history. And leading the charge is their spark plug at the top of the lineup: junior shortstop Erik Topete.

Whether he's igniting rallies with his bat or creating chaos on the basepath, Topete brings unmatched energy to the field.

"I try to fire everyone up when I'm on base," Topete said. "I love stealing second. I love stealing third. I love hearing the reactions [from the bench]. As soon as I go, the whole team goes."

And feed off him they have, scoring in the first inning in 12 games across the regular season and postseason.

Topete is having a breakout season. The junior is batting .519 with 15 extra-base hits, including three home runs, and has emerged as one of the top hitters in the state.

"He's electric," Yuma Catholic head coach Judd Thrower said. "He flat out runs the bases like a madman. He makes plays defensively that nobody else can. He's a five-tool player."

His highlight-reel glove work has earned him regular appearances on our "Plays of the Week" countdown. Topete admits he practices the spectacular, even when it’s not exactly in the script.

"It's not in our practice plan," he joked. "But I always sneak in a barehand play or diving stop when the coaches aren’t looking."

Every time Topete gets to first with a base hit, he gives a big high five to the first base coach: his father Tony.

"As soon as I get there, he offers me a piece of candy," Erik said. "He asks 'What pitch do you feel like stealing second base?' I say 'the first one.'"

Tony has been coaching at Yuma Catholic for six years, but 2023 was extra special. He coached Erik, his older son Nomar, and his stepson Anthony all in the same season.

"I've taken full advantage of it," Tony said. "Being able to coach all three of my boys in 2023 was just a blessing."

Baseball isn't just a sport in the Topete household, it's part of the family’s DNA.  

"It means everything," Tony said. "I've played baseball since I was 5 years old and I have memories of my father coaching. The best part about being a dad is being able to hit fungos and throw BP. I've been blessed with these kids that I never had to push them. They always ask me, 'Hey Dad, can we go to the field?'"

"[Baseball] is like a family name," Erik said. "We all play baseball together at the parks and stuff like that. Family reunions we all come out compete against each other."

This Saturday, No. 2 Yuma Catholic will face No. 7 Kingman in the state quarterfinals, with Erik and the Shamrocks looking to keep their title hopes alive. However, Erik and Tony are not the only ones in the family with big games.

Erik's stepsister, Adayah, and the Lady Shamrocks softball team are set to play in state semifinals on Friday.